Hockey's New World Order Pt. 1. Scandinavia and Russia

Last weekend, Linkoping of the Swedish Elitseiren won the Nordic Trophy over fellow Swedish powerhouse Frolunda, while Finland's HIFK defeated well-known Swedish club Djurgarden for the bronze. The Nordic Trophy is one of the most prestigious tourneys in all of Europe and it pits 10 teams—five of the best from both Sweden and Finland—against each other in a round-robin tourney. Although this is an annual tourney, this year's competition was prefaced by some interesting conversations between a number of clubs from both The Swedish Elitseiren and Finlands' SMLigga. Apparently, a number of the top clubs from both leagues have been discussing making the annual cup into more of an annual league.  There have been hints that such a league might even extend membership to clubs in Norway and Denmark. Both nations' hockey federations have strong infrastructures, and their governing bodies have voiced their disapproval of the formation of such a league, as have some of the member clubs. ... (link)